I wasn't a fan of the ones with all the mesh in the side way to many stitches and such and destroyed a pair every guide season if they lasted that (4ish months tops) ut the level below them I has for almost 3 years!! and used then for a full season plus the two remaining years the other ones fell apart.. I have the chrome ones now I believ (step down from the top model) and so far since September they have held up well close to 100 days on em forsure and a few steelhead trip in the mix 95% of my fishing is on foot don't float much so I'm happy with how they are holding up!

 

The Simms boots with the Boa system and some studs in the bottom. Can't go wrong with the price and durability. Fish mine hard and they're still going strong.

 

My 2008 Korkers Guide boots fell apart after just over one season. I had over 3 pairs of soles delaminate in that time - one time after doing a tricky wade to an island that required me to go swimming to get back to home base. Korkers replaced them all under warranty even though soles aren't covered under their policy. When the boots finally ate it, they sent me new ones. Prior to the Guides, I had a pair of Wetlands that failed very quickly, less than 6 months. So when I got the replacement Guides, I sold them and have no plans to go back despite their great warranty support.

 

Ive only had bad experiences with Korkers, so I am definitly biased twords not recommending them. I have not had one of the "newer" models, but I can tell you that I was lucky to get a season out of my last pair a few years back.

On the other hand, I have had a pair of SIMMS rivershed boots with vibram soles that have seen 2 full seasons in Alaska and many more days in the lower 48. Im expecting them to last at least 4 seasons. I have added the star cleats and studs....bombproof!!!

PM if you have any questions.......

 

On the other hand, I have had a pair of SIMMS rivershed boots with vibram soles that have seen 2 full seasons in Alaska and many more days in the lower 48. Im expecting them to last at least 4 seasons. I have added the star cleats and studs....bombproof!!!

I gotta say..the Riversheds are damn tough. Mine have been fished hard since I bought them when they came out. They are still in great shape. I need to replace a set of SImms headwaters I wear trout fishing (they blew all apart)..going to get another pair of riversheds.
Such great boots...

 

I think my 2010 guide boots blow.

They are not heavy and durable, the toes are falling apart, and generally not a good pair of boots like patagucci or Simms.

 

For the boa system...

that has made it worth it for me to use the Guides over the past 3+ years. 100+ days fished on lots of ash/silty streams (lower deschutes, sandy, BC) that have blown out all the other brands quickly.

After a month in BC, the fabric is starting to wear out a little on the throat around the dial, but the gravel guards should cover that. The extra room and range of the boa sure helped after I broke my foot, so if you get swollen feet, they are very nice.

I have Patagonias on standby as my next boot only because I got a good deal on them. Any reports on the chromes or metalheads?

 

that has made it worth it for me to use the Guides over the past 3+ years. 100+ days fished on lots of ash/silty streams (lower deschutes, sandy, BC) that have blown out all the other brands quickly.

After a month in BC, the fabric is starting to wear out a little on the throat around the dial, but the gravel guards should cover that. The extra room and range of the boa sure helped after I broke my foot, so if you get swollen feet, they are very nice.

I have Patagonias on standby as my next boot only because I got a good deal on them. Any reports on the chromes or metalheads?

Just as a lot of us use different rods, reels etc. many of us have had different experiences with boots. I have owned many pairs of boots over the years and I must say that the Chromes that I own now have been and are the most comfortable, easy to take off and to put on boots that I have ever owned. Also, the lacing system is second to none and I think that having a variety of soles is also a plus. So far my boots still look as new even after some trials and tribulations. But we all have our own thoughts as to not only the best but also to the best value. So be it. For me, the boot of choice will remain, Korker.

 

I have nothing but praises for my Korkers Guide boots . Going on three seasons now and hardly even a blemish . Wading around bowling ball sized rocks , deadfalls and stumps usually takes a toll on wading boots , these Korkers are really holding out very well for me . The BOA lace system is just awesome !!








Mike

 

Korker Metalheads

I fish a lot,and I hike a lot,from run to run,over the roughest, rockiest, boot twisting terrain imaginable,I've had the Korker Metalheads for a couple seasons now,and they are holding up well,I really like the BOA lacing system,and the fact I can choose and switch out soles when I want...I really like the new Korkers,and will get another pair when these ones have worn out.

Cheers,

WB.

 

I had the exact same experience as flatheadmatt, returned my Chromes for Simms watersheds

 

Thanks for the input all

I appreciate your thoughts.
Harley, although I agree colors and tastes differ widely I am trying to get a feeling of whether I just got "unlucky boots" or whether there is a trend of the Korkers not lasting.

See it is not about not liking them - I love them. But I wade hard and hike hard when I fish (and I'm clumsy as hell so I fall and wedge/twist my feet too), and if there is a way I can find a good boot that lasts me more than one season that would make my accountant happy

cheers - maybe simms with BOA once the korkies fall apart for good.

Andreas

 

I've seen a few guides show up at camp with Korkers, and they're usually wearing something else by season's end....

 

Yeah, and guides get equipment given to them to promote or try out...so they are always showing up with something different all the time...be it rods,waders,boots wading jackets etc.

I can't speak for the old model Korkers,which I believe is what the OP has...I can, however, speak for the newer model Korkers, of which I own the Metalheads,they are a complete re-design from the older model.They have nothing borrowed or in common with the older design,even the replaceable sole's are a complete re-design.I am notoriously tough...as in beat the shyte out of my wading gear...especially boots....I fish many, many,many days a year...and fish sun up to sun down and walk ridiculous distances over the toughest boot twisting, wedging,brutal conditions,and I have not had a sole come off and the boots in general are holding up very, very nicely.

This is my personal experience with the new re-design Korkers,like I said when these wear out I'll gladly get another pair.

Cheers,

WB.

 

I've had great wear from both the old style Korkers and the newer ones with the BOA laces. They've held up well with lots of saltwater and freshwater use. The newer models are the most comfortable boots I've ever had and I really like the BOA system, though I was skeptical at first. I'll buy another pair for sure when the time comes.

 

+1 to the 'positive thoughts' for the NEW designed boot. The first generation had more than its share of 'problems.' The new ones (Chromes is what I have) and the 'Bee's Knees.'

Prior to that the Simms 'Freestone' was my choice for years. Wide last, etc., etc. Which is exactly what you get with the Chromes. But like any wading boot I'm at a total loss as to who comes up with the boot sizing. :saevilw:

If you normally ware a size 10 'street shoe' (I do) and put on one set of heavy socks and stuff those in the typical 3mm Neo bootie .... you'll need at least a size 12 boot. Anything less is a non-starter.

But back to the good things about the Chromes. You open these things up and getting them on/off is the best of the best. Opening is the size of a gallon bucket; and for old-creekie Guys like me they're a total dream come true.

 

I had a pair with every sole they sold for them, I ride in a boat and only walked them maybe 8 - 10 miles in a year. They started to self destruct and the right boot became very uncomfortable.

I called the company; I had had the boots 14 months but explained to the rep on the phone 'Sam' that I only wear them because I exit the boat to fish and thought that the condition of the right boot was real bad considering the low mileage. He told me that after the one year mark you are essentially on your own. I tried very diplomatically to sway him with the "but I ride in a boat, I don't hike them' argument but he didn't budge.

I was not trying to get over on the boot seller, I felt that my boots were not satisfactory and was looking for some relief from them. I handled this by purchasing a pair of boots from Simms who have proven to be very service orientated in my experiences with them.

Just as a footnote; last year the Filson Company replaced my 14 year old wading jacket at no charge to me! I sent it in for repairs, the draw cords had both broken and there were several tears in the fabric that I wanted patched along with a fresh factory waterproofing. They replaced the jacket! I felt that Sam at Korkers hung me out to dry given that I had what I considered a valid complaint.

Just Say'en,

Ard

 

Dealt with the same guy when I had a problem with mine. Started off with the wetlands about 3 years ago. Had all the familiar issues with boots falling apart, losing soles...etc. Called for customer service and was told they I was over the one year replacement timeline. However this was due to buying them as outdated stock. They offered to sell me the guides at 60% of retail cost. I think about 90$. I felt this was "Fair" as I initially bought the first boots at a great discount from retail price. After a year of use, most of it fishing from a boat here in Michigan the boot started to separate from the sole. Called customer service again. Told the same story, although this time they tried giving me a guilt trip for having already registered a claim and receiving these boots at a discounted price, and that I was too hard on my gear. They sold me the new Chrome boots, but in all black, for the same discount after much talk back and forth. I really really like the fact that I can change soles, and not have felt in the boat or for hiking..etc and the BOA lacing system is great. However, I don't think they make a high quality product and also have failed to stand behind their product. We will see how the new boots hold up. When they need replacing, I will purchase from a different company, one who will stand behind their product.